Bringing together students, universities, and business leaders to connect, celebrate, and collaborate for sustainable impact.
The NextGen Takeover 2026 (formally the Enactus UK & Ireland Expo), unites our dynamic network to showcase student-led initiatives and demonstrate how when we collaborate for impact, we can all be catalysts for change.
As the flagship event of the Enactus calendar, the NextGen Takeover mobilises universities, students, and business leaders, all driven by a shared commitment to a sustainable future. This is a prime opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate youth-led social impact, enterprise, and action, through engaging workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, and valuable networking.
For 23 years, this event has ignited change and accelerate innovation, and this year will be no exception. It is more than an event; it's a movement, building our future leaders with a head for business and a heart for the world.
Join us to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our changemaking community as we explore ideas for a better future.
This is a closed event for individuals aged 18 and over only.
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Watch the UK & Ireland's Top 16 Enactus teams for 2026 demonstrate the impact of their projects. This is their crucial moment: competing for a place in the Top 4 and the chance to represent us at the Enactus World Cup happening this year in Sao Paulo, Brasil!
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Join us for a unique in-person pitching masterclass, exclusive to members of the Ford Accelerator programme! Members will be invited to watch presentations from some the UK & Ireland’s top teams, before gathering to collaboratively create an expert guide to pitching with members of the Enactus UK & Ireland team and other participants of the course. Students will have the opportunity to learn from the best ahead of connecting with industry pros at the Accelerator Sessions in May.
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This is a an invite-only celebration evening hosted in collaboration with one of our amazing partners!
This special evening will celebrate the Enactus networks accomplishments and the collective success of our Enactus community, with fantastic networking opportunities alongside fellow nominees and attendees.
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Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
~ Invite Only ~
Tuesday
14th April 2026
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Overview
Connect directly with top employers, explore diverse career paths, and discover exciting graduate roles, internships, and placements from our award-winning corporate partners. Gain invaluable insights into industry trends and enhance your employability with expert workshops and panels.
Key Information
Location: Platinum Suite Lounge, Level 2
Time: 10:00 - 14:00
Do I need to register seperately?
No - as long as you are registered for the NextGen Takeover that covers everything!
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Overview
The Ideas4Impact (I4I) Overall Final sees the four winning projects of the Ideas4Impact Project Accelerators compete to be crowned the overall winner for 2026. The competition focuses on supporting early-stage projects across four key themes; tackling climate action, food insecurity, utilising technology and AI to create impact and empowering generations!
Key Information
Location: Platinum Suite, Level 2
Time: 09:30 - 11:00
Do I need to register seperately?
No - as long as you are registered for the NextGen Takeover that covers everything!
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Overview
Join us for the Enactus World Cup Qualifier Top 4 Final, where the most impactful Enactus projects will compete to represent us at the Enactus World Cup 2026! Witness firsthand how student-led innovation is transforming communities and celebrate the achievements of our incredible teams. Prepare to be inspired!
Key Information
Location: Platinum Suite Lounge, Level 3
Time: 11:00 - 12:30
Do I need to register seperately?
No - as long as you are registered for the NextGen Takeover that covers everything!
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Overview
Stay tuned for more information!
Key Information
Location: Platinum Suite, Level 2
Time: 11:15 - 12:00 and 12:30 13:15
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Overview
Join us for an inspiring keynote from the incredible Kate Ball (founder of Mini First Aid), followed by the presentation of our Team, Student, and Partner awards. We will also be celebrating the moment you've all been waiting for... The highly anticipated announcement of the Enactus UK & Ireland World Cup Qualifier 2026 Champion! Witness the power of social enterprise and celebrate the champions driving positive change.
Key Information
Location: Platinum Suite, Level 3
Time: 14:00 - 16:00
Do I need to register seperately?
No - as long as you are registered for the NextGen Takeover that covers everything!
Wednesday
15th April 2026
You can access the full Agenda and timings for the Enactus UK & Ireland / NextGen Takeover 2026 here!
Enactus UK & Ireland
World Cup Qualifier & Competitons
Click on one of the buttons below to find out more about the competitions we will be running during this year’s NextGenTakeover (including this year’s Ford Accelerator opportunity!)
Enterprise & Employability Fair 2026
During this year’s NextGen Takeover, we’ll be hosting an Enterprise & Employability Fair on the 15th of April 2026! This is your chance to connect with top employers, explore career opportunities, and gain insights into graduate roles, internships, and placements from a wide range of our award-winning corporate partners!
Stay tuned for more details on attending employers and how to make the most of this exciting opportunity!
Enactus UK & Ireland Awards 2026
At Enactus UK & Ireland, we love to celebrate students, teams, and partners who have inspired change in their teams and communities. Whether it's due a team’s efforts driving social change within their local communities or an individual embodying Enactus values, we really enjoy recognising those that have made this Enactus year so great!
This year there will be a few awards that our Enactus network can nominate for which you can nominate for using the button below!
ExCel Location &
Hotel Recommendations
The ExCel Centre, London is well-connected and easy to reach via multiple transport options.
If you have any other questions, check out the ExCel Centre’s Transport page here.
By Train & Tube
Elizabeth Line: Custom House Station is just a 2-minute walk from the venue.
DLR (Docklands Light Railway): The closest stops are Custom House and Prince Regent, both providing quick access to the ExCel centre.
By Bus
Several London bus routes stop near the ExCeL Centre, including the 147, 241, 325, and 473.
By Air
The venue is just 10 minutes from London City Airport, with easy transport links to and from the airport.
By Car
Parking is available at the ExCeL Centre. For more information, visit the ExCeL website!
Hotel Recommendations
If you’re planning on staying overnight, here are some recommended hotels within close proximity to the venue.
We’d suggest you book early to secure the best rates!
ibis London Excel Docklands
(Budget-friendly, 5-minute walk to ExCeL)
Travelodge London Excel
(Affordable, 10-minute walk to ExCeL)
Travelodge London City Airport
(Budget option, 15-minute walk to ExCeL)
Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel)
(Comfortable, 5-minute walk to ExCeL)
Premier Inn London Beckton
(More budget-friendly, short DLR ride to ExCeL)
Novotel London Excel
(Mid-range, near Royal Victoria DLR station)
*Please note, it is down to the individual attendee to sort and cover the cost for their own travel and accomodation for the NextGen Takeover 2026.
Looking back on 2025!
The Enactus UK & Ireland Expo 2025 (now NextGen Takeover) brought together changemakers and leaders from across our network to celebrate the next generation’s amazing work in social innovation for the Global Goals! The event buzzed with energy - from the Enterprise & Employability Fair and inspiring awards to a powerhouse keynote and the thrilling Final Round of the World Cup Qualifier 2025!
It was a day packed with collaboration, competition, and celebration, showcasing the very best of what our Enactus teams have to offer - we hope you’re ready to join us in 2026 for even more unforgettable moments!
Event Policies and Waivers
Code of Conduct | Event Participation